Utilisation of local raw materials in the production of ceramic glass

Abstract

This study examined the utilisation of local raw materials in the production of ceramic glazes. It aimed to introduce potters to the procedures for preparing glaze mixtures, the raw materials involved in their formulation, and the proportions of these materials.  A number of glaze formulations were applied, differing in terms of the ratios of the batch constituents and the firing temperatures. The study was organised into five chapters. The first chapter addressed the general framework of the research and included the research problem, which asked whether it is possible to use these materials as an alternative to the silica commonly employed in the production of ceramic glazes. The significance of the study lies in:

1. To investigate the effect of locally sourced raw materials, after grinding, when added to ceramic works.
2. To contribute to enriching the aesthetic dimension through the incorporation of local raw materials and their novel surface characteristics, enabling ceramic artists to adopt them in their artistic production.

The aim of this study was to utilise construction sand as an alternative to silica in the production of ceramic glazes. Chapter Three addressed the research procedures, in which two glaze mixtures were prepared using silica-rich, readily available, and low-cost materials (construction sand) in varying proportions. These mixtures included specific amounts of fluxing and modifying materials. Milling equipment was used to grind the raw materials incorporated in the mixtures, and the samples were fired at high and varying temperatures. A total of four samples were produced. Chapter Four presented the results of the study. The most significant findings were as follows:

1. The results of sample (1) were superior to those of sample (2) for mixture No. (1), due to the occurrence of a strong reaction when the firing temperature was increased in sample No. (2).
2. Favourable results were obtained in mixture No. (2) for samples (3) and (4). This occurs when the percentage is raised to 60% due to the occurrence of a strong reaction when the firing temperature was increased in sample No. (4).

Chapter Five contained a set of conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions.

The most important conclusions were:

1. Current research is focused on obtaining stored glass from local raw materials.
2. Local materials were successfully used as alternatives to silica in the production of ceramic glazes.
3. Changing the proportions of the materials used in the mixtures affected the surface characteristics of the ceramic body.
4. River sand exhibited a lower melting point than construction sand, as evidenced by the surface properties.
5. The best-performing samples in terms of surface quality and homogeneity were samples (1, 3, and 4).